AI Variety Show Cross 100 Million Views as Fans Vote, Build Fandoms

AI-generated variety shows are emerging as a fast-growing online format in China, attracting fan voting, large-scale user participation and substantial advertising as creators experiment with virtual contestants and fictional worlds.

One example is the AI idol competition 12-Star Trainees, in which virtual contestants representing the zodiac signs compete in singing and dancing challenges. Their fate is decided by online users, with contestants receiving more likes in the comment section given a better chance of debuting in a group, social media platform AI New Media has reported.

The show had generated more than 100 million views across platforms within half a month of its launch, according to its producer, Maiya Media's AIGC team. Its official account gained more than 400,000 followers during the same period. The Libra contestant ranked first in popularity with 72,000 votes and more than 85,000 followers on Douyin, while users created support groups and data teams for the virtual idols.

AI variety shows are also expanding into dating and competition formats. The dating show 12 Zodiac Signs: Choose Your Love Interest gained more than 370,000 Douyin followers from its premiere on May 27, while its first eight episodes received more than 1.55 million likes. Four episodes included commercial placements.

Another popular format, Fruit Love Island, uses AI-generated anthropomorphic fruit as its contestants. Its creator released 15 episodes, 13 of which included advertising, featuring products such as household goods, drinks and cosmetics. A TikTok version released in March gained 3 million followers in nine days, with its 21 episodes averaging more than 10 million views, according to the report.

Competition shows have adopted similarly exaggerated premises. One program pits 1,000 students against 100 teachers in a battle involving magic chalk that can turn drawings into reality. The AI version combines elements of survival games, Chinese-style fantasy combat, superheroes and science fiction.

The format's appeal lies partly in its interactive design. Viewers can vote, create fan posters, form support groups, develop fictional relationships and influence the direction of the programs. A zodiac dating show's four Douyin group chats reportedly filled with 2,700 members, while a 12-Star Trainees teaser received 880,000 reposts and its first episode drew nearly 170,000 comments.

Commercial demand is already visible. Advertising accounted for more than 80 percent of the output from some AI variety accounts, with brands using virtual contestants to deliver scripted promotions.

However, the market remains experimental. Many shows rely on familiar zodiac, personality or animal templates, and their characters often share similar AI-generated faces. Creators still need stronger storylines, distinctive characters and lasting show brands to turn short-term viral attention into sustainable growth.